The Home Depot Concept: You Can Do it, We Can Help

What if there was a way for you to know exactly where to hit the ball, when to hit it there and why you should? And that you're able to do so with confidence, because you know if executed correctly, that it will produce a winning outcome? This is based on what I refer to as the Home Depot approach to tactics.

The home-improvement chain is renowned for making the buying experience simple and straightforward. They divide many of their products into three broad categories—good, better, or best—to do the thinking for the consumer. All three vary in price point and quality. The same logic can be applied to your thinking on the tennis court.

Just as a “good” paintbrush with a plastic handle and cheaper bristles can be satisfactory for a basic touch-up, a safe ground stroke with a high margin for error might be all that’s needed to win a particular point. However, depending on the situation, more sophisticated shot selections could be the “better” alternative.

For example, a 3.0 doubles player looking to win more return games may identify three options in ascending effectiveness and risk. 1) Deep crosscourt returns with plenty of height over the net. 2) Shorter, angled returns inside the service box near the alley “T”. 3) Deep lob returns over the opposing net player’s head.

Conversely, a 4.5+ doubles player may have to reconfigure and refine their options. Hitting a lob return could still be effective, but may no longer be the best tactic since the opponents are more skilled at hitting overheads. Dipping or chipping angled returns become more appealing, and it can carry the added dimension of attacking the net behind it. And if facing a formidable server, the best return may actually entail moving farther back to receive, with your partner positioned on the baseline instead of up at net.

With more frequent success, building on those foundations—or “scaffolding”—becomes the next step. Ask yourself: Can I hit it to the same target, but harder, or with more backspin, or lower height? As improvement continues, your tennis I.Q. will grow as well. You will begin problem-solving on the court between points and during changeovers, and apply the good-better-best concept to create winning patterns based on your opponent’s ability to handle certain shots.

Not only does this approach work with tactics, but it can also boost your technical development. For example, if you’re currently using a forehand or “frying pan” grip to serve, and want to add more spin to your delivery, you can upgrade to a better grip by holding the racquet like a hammer, also known as the continental grip. As with tactics, this enhancement raises the degree of difficulty, but will also elevate the effectiveness of the shot.

Whatever your goal, the Home Depot concept is a surefire way to remodel your game.